HPMC BASED EXTENDED-RELEASE MATRIX TABLETS OF AN ANTI-PSYCHOTIC DRUG BY DRY GRANULATION METHOD

The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize an oral sustain release drug delivery system for commonly prescribed antipsychotic Quetiapine fumarate. Hydrophilic matrix based tablets using different concentrations of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) viz. K4M CR was developed using dry granulation technique. The prepared tablets were of 400 mg dose and were designed for once- daily administration. The formulations prepared were evaluated for the release of Quetiapine fumarate over a period of 24 hrs. Using USP type I dissolution test apparatus. The prepared tablets were evaluated for physical properties. The in- vitro drug release studies revealed that the tablets containing 12% of HPMC K4M CR of the total tablet weight showed satisfactory results and was able to control the release over 20 hrs. The in-vitro release data of prepared formulations followed Korsmeyer- Peppas and Higuchi kinetics strongly. The selected formulation was compared with the marketed product for the drug release pattern and was matched using similarity factor (f2) above 50. The selected formulation was evaluated in comparison to Quetiapine Extended-release tablets formulation manufactured using wet granulation method.  In conclusion, the dissolution profiles and the mathematical model fittings indicate that release of Quetiapine fumarate can be effectively controlled by use of hydrophilic matrix systems